Derek Elleri, a 34-year veteran in lake operations with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, will lead the newly formed Aquatics Agency, officials announced Wednesday.
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Elleri will take over as chief of lake lifeguard following the retirement of Chris Graham earlier this year, who previously held the role. Elleri will oversee the department's recently restructured aquatics system -- now called the Aquatics Agency -- which officials say better unifies operations across 14 lakes, three lake swim beaches, 44 swimming pools and 25 splash pads.
He joins Deputy Director Hugo Maldonado and Regional Operations Manager Joseph Goss.
As chief, Elleri will oversee the county's trained lake lifeguards, who safeguard approximately 40 miles of inland waterways and operate a fleet of 18 rescue and utility vessels. He will also direct specialized units, including Underwater Recovery Teams and support swift-water rescue efforts in partnership with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
"Derek Elleri's experience and leadership make him exceptionally well-qualified to guide our lake operations in this new chapter for the Aquatics Agency," said Norma Garcia-Gonzalez, director of LA County Parks. "His long-standing commitment to public safety and professional excellence ensures both continuity and innovation across our inland water programs."
Elleri has worked in local lake lifeguard operations for more than 34 years. Of that, he spent 10 years as lake aquatics manager, overseeing lifeguard operations at Frank G. Bonelli Park.
His background involves emergency response coordination, rescue vessel operations, staff leadership, regulatory compliance, budget oversight and interagency collaboration, county officials said.
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